Who gets Actinic Keratosis?
A large majority of dermatology patients who have spent years in the sun, golfing or gardening or involved in outdoor sports, tend to have multiple Actinitc Keratosis’ on the face, chest, arms and legs. Men who have thinning hair or baldness will get them on the scalp.
How do I get rid of Actinic Keratosis?
The only effective way to get rid of AKs are to destroy these abnormal cell growths with intense cold or with a topical cream which contains specific chemicals. Single Actinic Keratoses on the face and body are most commonly destroyed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen spray (cryotherapy). This is the method most patients prefer when they have isolated AK growths. Those with broad scatters and large numbers of AKs will most often need to use a skin peeling acid followed with a topical chemo-agent such as 5-flurouracil (5-FU).
How does an AK Peel work?
Dr. Sikorski will use trichloracetic acid (TCA) to cause destruction and peeling. A cold compress is used immediately following application to reduce heat sensation. Then a layer of 5-FU cream is applied to fully attack and destroy any cancerous lesions.